Evidence Code section 772

(a)

The examination of a witness shall proceed in the following phases: direct examination, cross-examination, redirect examination, recross-examination, and continuing thereafter by redirect and recross-examination.

(b)

Unless for good cause the court otherwise directs, each phase of the examination of a witness must be concluded before the succeeding phase begins.

(c)

Subject to subdivision (d), a party may, in the discretion of the court, interrupt his cross-examination, redirect examination, or recross-examination of a witness, in order to examine the witness upon a matter not within the scope of a previous examination of the witness.

(d)

If the witness is the defendant in a criminal action, the witness may not, without his consent, be examined under direct examination by another party.

Source: Section 772, https://leginfo.­legislature.­ca.­gov/faces/codes_displaySection.­xhtml?lawCode=EVID§ionNum=772.­ (accessed Jun. 9, 2025).

Last Updated

May 12, 2025

§ 772’s source at ca​.gov